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06/16/2011: "Plea to expedite Naga talks OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"



Plea to expedite Naga talks OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, The Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Centre has urged the Centre to expedite the current peace talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M), led by Isak Chishi Swu and Thiungaleng Muivah.
In a statement, the support centre urged Delhi to show that India was not just an emerging economic powerhouse, but also a nation where human rights were honoured.
“Talk peace so that the peace talks can come to a mutually agreeable solution. The world is watching how India behaves towards its neighbours and the oppressed nations,” the statement said.
The centre said the government knew well that the Nagas wanted to govern themselves on the basis of their right to self-determination. They had been firm on this right since India “decisively incorporated” and then separated them by agreeing to an international border with Myanmar.
It said peace talks, since 1997, led India to recognise the uniqueness of the Nagas, which meant they recognised that the Nagas historically had no connection with India but that they were both ruled by the same coloniser — Britain.
“The Naga situation, recognised as unique, implies a beginning in thinking. When both nations respect each other’s sovereignty, a cordial relationship can be developed. However, important snags, like the successful divide-and-rule efforts (the NSCN-K faction) are continuously cropping up during the peace talks. These snags are obstructions as they lead to distrust based on insincerity,” the statement said.
It said from the point of view of the international community, the right to self-determination belongs to all people. Since India signed the Covenant of the United Nations, one would think that the peace talks would lead to a mutually respectful solution to the long and bloody conflict between the “overwhelmingly large and brutal Indian armed forces” and the “relatively small but effective guerrilla army of the Naga people of Nagalim”.
The centre said negotiating peace with a knife on the table puts the opponent in a submissive position.
“To substantiate the pledge of expediting peace talks for an early solution, remove the knife so that both parties can speak frankly and release all prisoners, including Anthony Shimray of the foreign command, still languishing in jail,” the statement said.
Shimray, head of foreign affairs of the NSCN (I-M), was arrested last year from the Kathmandu international airport by the Indian intelligence agency.
“Would it not be wise for India to understand that one-sided ceasefire and negotiation at gunpoint have never solved any issue? It is rather this type of behaviour that lands the country in trouble with other people too. After all, who can live in peace at gunpoint?” the statement asked.
“Gen.” Kholi installed as GPRN/NSCN president Staff Reporter (NPN):



New GPRN/NSCN president Kholi Konyak (2nd from L) along with ‘ato kiloner’ N. Kitovi Zhimomi (3rd from L), ‘kilo kilonser’ Hothrong Yimchungrü (R), NPAC convenor Azheto Chophy (L) and envoy to collective leadership (GPRN/NSCN) Kughalu Mulatonu (2nd from R). (NP)
DIMAPUR “Gen.” Kholi Konyak, incumbent “c-in-c” of “Naga army”, was officially installed as the president of the GPRN/NSCN at a solemn “presidential inception ceremony” held at outfit’s CHQ, Khehoyi designated camp, off Dimapur Wednesday.
This development comes a week after national hoho (national assembly) of the outfit comprising of its national political affairs committee (NPAC), “council of kilonsers (ministers)”, “tatars (MPs)” and functionaries from both army and regional councils at Khehoi camp near Dimapur June 7 decided to impeach SS Khaplang and install ‘commander-in-chief’ ‘Gen’ Kholi Konyak as acting chairman of the GPRN/NSCN.
Speaking after his inception ceremony, Kholi Konyak assured Nagas that he would uphold the will and aspiration of Nagas at all cost as entrusted with the responsibility to serve the “Naga nation” as its president.
Kholi said “as the GPRN/NSCN yezabo clearly enunciates that no one is above the nation, it becomes pertinent to assert that the Naga people’s collective will and desire shall always reign supreme across all odds.”
He asserted that in the current context of the Naga people’s political aspiration, the fervent will of the Naga people was to reconcile and unite across all differences and to stand out ground for a common future.
He said it was the mandate of the people to assert a united solution which would be reciprocated in toto for an undivided endeavour so as to expedite a peaceful and lasting solution to the vexed “Indo-Naga” political issue.
Kholi also expressed gratitude to Churches, prayer centers, NGOs and all responsible for their “unceasing prayers” that have guided Nagas thus far.
He appealed to all to continue in their ardent prayers for peace to prevail and the Naga people’s reconciliation initiative under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation towards achieving a lasting political goal of the Nagas.
He said to bury the hatchet, it was imperative that peace was prerogative to unity and so was unity to solution of the protracted “Indo-Naga” political imbroglio.
The newly installed president GPRN/NSCN vowed a commitment take into confidence, the Naga people’s views and opinions in the course of “our political future.”
He invoked the blessings of the Almighty God upon the Nagas with the courage for reconciliation and the path to diplomatic resolutions, so that the upcoming generation was given an opportunity to strive ahead in peace with the rest of the world.
Also speaking at the function, GPRN/NSCN “ato kilonser” N.Kitovi Zhimomi pointed out several reasons that led to the impeachment of S.S Khaplang and appointment of Kholi as new president.
Seeking to clear doubts or confusions, if any, arising out of new development in the outfit, Kitovi said for over ten years after the outfit entered into a ceasefire agreement with centre in the year 2001, Khaplang failed to convene ‘national assembly” during all those years.
He said following 2001 ceasefire agreement, the members proposed convening of “national assembly”, as the outfit needed to be prepared for political process. However, he said Khaplang kept postponing the assembly citing several reasons, and even by 2011, he failed to convene the national assembly.
Asserting that its former president lived on exile and keeping the members in darkness, Kitovi said due to Khaplang’s approach, members began to get confused with where they were moving and making the organisation appear like a “blind man.”
He said Khaplang, in exile, started to act “khushi khushi” and kept on issuing directions everyday. Kitovi also said that Khaplang in 2010 purportedly conveyed through kilonser Alezo that cabinet meeting should not be held without his presence.
Also, when the FNR convened September 18 summit, in 2010, Kitovi said Khaplang issued directive against participating in the meet.
“When all the Nagas were praying for peace and reconciliation amongst Naga political groups, S.S. Khaplang started issuing wrong directions not to be a part of reconciliation process,” Kitovi said, adding going against the wishes of all Nagas to reconcile was where Khaplang’s happiness lay.
“He cannot force us to go against the wishes of the people,” Kitovi said.
Kitovi also stated that Khaplang appointed “lt.gen. (retd)” Khango Konyak as the vice-chairman even after the “parliament” decided to appoint “gen” Kholi as v-c.
He said basing on Khaplang’s extra-constitutional actions and dictatorial type of behaviour, the members of National assembly, after long deliberation, was asked to choose between Khaplang’s wrong directions and wishes of the people to live in peace, and the members chose to go with people’s mandate.
Following which, the national assembly members were also asked what should be done to bring changes in the organisation, when the house unanimously resolved to impeach Khaplang and install “Gen.” Kholi as its new president.
“Considering all his flaws the members felt the organisation will not move forward and therefore the house unanimously resolve to appoint Kholi as president,” Kitovi further said.
Kitovi expressed hope that with the installation of new GPRN/NSCN president Kholi the dream of Nagas to live in unity can be achieved. And he also further appealed to all to continue to pray for peace and reconciliation. Later, speaking to newsmen, after the ceremony, the GPRN/NSCN “ato kilonser” said desire of the GPRN/NSCN was peace and reconciliation amongst all Naga political groups, saying that now wherever the meeting is called the organisation would be show its presence.
Stating that the next HLM convened by FNR was likely to be held June 20, Kitovi said: “we will show our sincerity by physical presence.”
On asking what was the status of S.S. Khaplang at the moment, who had also issued counter expulsion orders recently, Kitovi said the former was now a “mere public”, and that whatever action he carry out was void.
Further, upon asking to comment on the nomenclature NSCN (K), which is still being used by the S.S.Khaplang, Kitovi said Khaplang must be forming another group otherwise there was no K or M group as such.

NISC questions sincerity of Delhi on Nagalim EPao Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 15 2011: Questioning the sincerity of Government of India on the ongoing peace talks, Naga International Support Centre (NISC) has demanded the Government of India to make public its policies on Nagalim.

In a statement issued from Amsterdam, the Naga human rights organisation asserted that the Government of India knows very well the Nagas want to govern themselves on the basis of their right to self determination.

They have stood firm on this right since India decisively incorporated and then separated them by agreeing to an international border with Myanmar straight through their lands.

Peace talks, since 1997, led India to recognize the uniqueness and situation of the Nagas which meant that India recognized Nagas historically had no connection with India and but for the fact that they both were occupied by the same colonizer; Great Britain.

The Naga situation recognized as unique implies a beginning in thinking –when both nations respect each other's sovereigntya cordial relationship could develop.

However, important snags, like the successful divide and rule efforts (now the NSCN Khaplang group) are continuously cropping up during the Peace Talks between the Government of India, GOI, and the Naga Peoples.

These snags are obstructions to the Talks for peace as they lead to distrust based on insincerity, the statement observed.

The NISC statement pointed out that from the point of view of the International Community the right to self determination belongs to all People and because India signed this Covenant of the United Nations one would think that Peace Talks would have led to a mutually respectful solution to this long and bloody conflict between the overwhelmingly large and brutal Armed Forces of India and the relatively small but effective guerilla Army of the Naga Peoples of Nagalim.

Unfortunately this is not so! .

Regardless of the motivation of India's leaders to prolong this long (over 55 years now) costly war (taxpayers are paying for some 200.000 soldiers and Paramilitary forces: salaries, food, equipment costing billions of rupees which could have gone to uplift the standard of living of the extreme poor of India) to continue this war which, according to their own generals prior to 1997, can only be won when all Nagas are annihilated.

Hence, the Naga International Support Center thinks the Government of India may appreciate a few words of advice, the statement said, while demanding India to publish its policies on Nagalim and make it be accountable to the Indian people whose funds the Government of India is using to persist in this war .

Nagas have nothing against Indians so it is better to have Nagalim as a good neighbour rather than having a fierce foe on your doorstep, NISC said, while questioning why India should not appreciate culture and resilience of the Nagas so that good relations find a good breeding ground? NISC pointed out that negotiating for peace with knife on the table puts the opponent into a submissive position.

To substantiate the pledge of expediting the peace talks for an 'early' solution, remove the knife so both parties can speak frankly, release all prisoners which include A.Shimray of the foreign command who still languishes in jail, it demanded.

Would it not be wise for India to understand that one-sided ceasefire and negotiation at gunpoint have never solved any issues? It is rather this type of behaviour why India is in trouble with other peoples too, because: Who can live in peace at gunpoint? If India really wants peace with its neighbours, it should seek peace, not violence, the NISC statement observed.

Expedite the talks indeed Government of India, show India is not just an emerging economic powerhouse, but also a nation where human rights are honoured.

Talk peace so the peace talks can come to a mutually agreeable solution.

The world is watching how India behaves towards its neighbours and the oppressed nations, the statement added.
Hand over culprits, NSCN told OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, June 15: The Ao Women Hoho today asked the NSCN (I-M) to hand over the culprits responsible for the attempted assassination of one of its members within seven days.
Over 200 Ao women today met V.S. Atem, emissary to the collective leadership of NSCN (I-M) at his residence at 5th Mile, Dimapur, and submitted a memorandum demanding the handover of the culprits who had attempted to murder Imtila Jamir, retired registrar of co-operative societies, on May 27 here.
The organisation said if the NSCN (I-M) failed to heed to their demand, it would invite further course of action. “We will take further course of action if they fail to meet our demand,” Watikala Ao, ex-president of the organisation, said.
She said the outfit had refused to hand over one of the accused in their custody. “We want them to hand over the culprit to police,” Watikala told The Telegraph.
The NSCN (I-M) had promised to take punitive action against the perpetrator in their custody according to its laws, but would never hand him over to the police.
She said Atem gave them a patient hearing but said action would be taken according to the law of the Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN).
The outfit never hands over its cadres to the police. It claims that the GPRN is the only legitimate government.
Primary culprit Worshim Tangkhul is still absconding. However, according to sources, he was traced to Silchar in Assam through his mobile phone, from where it was switched off.
Intelligence sources did not rule out Tangkhul escaping to Bangladesh. He was a servant at Imtila’s house before he joined the NSCN (I-M). On May 27 evening around 7.30, he came to Imtila’s house and shot her after a brief argument. Imtila, however, escaped with a bullet injury in her right arm.
Ao women, supported by several other Naga organisations, including the Naga Mothers’ Association, have demanded for appropriate action for the culprits.
The state government has also constituted an inquiry to probe into the incident headed by a senior police officer.
According to sources, however, investigation could not proceed further as the police could not arrest the culprits.
‘Most Nagas do not want the Indian state of Nagaland’ Times of India
New Delhi | June 15 : One of India’s smallest states is also among its biggest conundrums. With a history as chequered and intriguing as its topography, Nagaland is a bewildering mosaic of social and geopolitical complexities. In his book Nagaland: A Journey to India’s Forgotten Frontier, British journalist Jonathan Glancey tries to take a closer look at Nagaland. He shares his findings with Harsh Kabra:

Why a book on Nagaland?
Because Nagaland is such a forgotten corner of the world. It isn’t at all well known even in India, and it is much misunderstood. I had known about the Naga Hills from childhood. For me, at that stage of life, and as someone with a great love for India, this was a Secret Garden or Lost Kingdom, a land from a Kipling story. As I grew up, I remained curious. When I finally went to Nagaland in the early 1980s, I had the opportunity - not as a journalist - to tell the story of a people and a place that deserve recognition. I have been astonished by how little people in India know about Nagaland and its extraordinary history. Here, aside from a fascinating people with a rich culture, is a land that has been a junction box for political ambitions that have shaped the world. This is where the Japanese nearly invaded India in 1944. This is where China might have invaded in 1962. For any number of reasons, Nagaland matters.

Didn’t you come across varying, even contradictory, narratives of history?
I would say that the vast majority of Naga people want independence from India. Being forced into Indian citizenship when the state of Nagaland was created in 1963 only strengthened the resolve of most Nagas. From then on, to fight for Nagalim - the dream of a greater Nagaland embracing all Naga tribes across state and international borders - meant being a subversive or traitor. This has not gone down well with Naga people. Of course, there are those who do well working with the federal government and in modern business, and these people - a small minority - do have a less intransigent view of where Nagaland stands in relation to India.

What is at the root of the Naga scepticism towards India?
Nagas were promised their freedom by Mahatma Gandhi. This offer was revoked, and brutally so as events proved, by Jawaharlal Nehru and his successors. So there is a lack of trust. Nagas come from a very different background and culture. They still want their own country, much, perhaps, as the Irish did when ruled by Britain.

Isn’t Nagaland more at peace now with its current identity?
Nagas are very happy with the idea of being Nagas; their attachment to their beautiful hills is profound. India cannot truly understand Nagaland because most Nagas do not want the Indian state of Nagaland. If more Indians were able or willing to travel through Nagaland, I think they would understand. After all, Indians worked hard for their independence. They, of all people, should understand the dream of an independent Nagaland.

Can modern India’s economic might counterpoise the Naga desire for independence?
The desire for independence is deep-rooted. The Look East policy, driving economic development into Nagaland and the northeast generally, has helped many people in a matter-of-fact way. Yet, whenever I speak with Naga people, no matter how seemingly integrated into modern Indian life and even the global economy, I hear a longing for an independent Nagalim. And, as Nagas, whether villagers or professors in North America, told me, Nagaland is not for sale.
Talking Peace or Peace Talks? Morung Express
A Naga International Support Center Amsterdam
The Government of India knows very well the Nagas want to govern themselves on the basis of their right to self determination. They have stood firm on this right since India decisively incorporated then separated them by agreeing to an international border with Myanmar straight through their lands. Again, now within India , India divided them into four administrative states. Peace talks, since 1997, led India to recognize the uniqueness and situation of the Nagas which meant that India recognized Nagas historically had no connection with India and but for the fact that they both were occupied by the same colonizer; Great Britain . The Naga situation recognized as unique implies a beginning in thinking –when both nations respect each other's sovereignty- a cordial relationship could develop. However, important snags, like the successful divide and rule efforts (now the NSCN Khaplang group) are continuously cropping up during the Peace Talks between the Government of India, GOI, and the Naga Peoples. These snags are obstructions to the Talks for peace as they lead to distrust based on insincerity.
From the point of view of the International Community the right to self determination belongs to all People and because India signed this Covenant of the United Nations one would think that Peace Talks would have led to a mutually respectful solution to this long and bloody conflict between the overwhelmingly large and brutal Armed Forces of India and the relatively small but effective guerilla Army of the Naga Peoples of Nagalim. Unfortunately this is not so!
Regardless of the motivation of India’s leaders to prolong this long (over 55 years now) costly war (taxpayers are paying for some 200.000 soldiers and Paramilitary forces: salaries, food, equipment costing billions of rupees which could have gone to uplift the standard of living of the extreme poor of India) to continue this war which, according to their own generals prior to 1997, can only be won when all Nagas are annihilated.
Hence, the Naga International Support Center thinks the Government of India may appreciate a few words of advice:
- Publish India ’s policies on Nagalim and so be accountable to the Indian People whose funds to persist in this war the Government of India is using
- Nagas have nothing against Indians so it is better to have Nagalim as a good neighbor rather than having a fierce foe on your doorstep. A long term benefit?
- Why not appreciate culture and resilience of the Nagas so that good relations find a good breeding ground?
Negotiating for peace, knife on the table, puts the opponent into a submissive position.
To substantiate the pledge of expediting the peace talks for an ‘early’ solution, remove the knife so both parties can speak frankly, release all prisoners which include A. Shimray of the foreign command who still languishes in jail.
Would it not be wise for India to understand that one-sided ceasefire and negotiation at gunpoint have never solved any issues? it is rather this type of behavior why India is in trouble with other peoples too, because: Who can live in peace at gunpoint?
If India really wants peace with its neighbors, it should seek peace, not violence.

Expedite the talks indeed Government of India , show India is not just an emerging economic powerhouse, but also a nation where human rights are honored. Talk peace so the peace talks can come to a mutually agreeable solution. The world is watching how India behaves towards its neighbors and the oppressed nations.
A Naga International Support Center Amsterdam
Minus Khaplang, GPRN/NSCN sounds reconciliation bugle
My first priority is Naga unity: Gen Khole Nagaland Page
Dimapur, June 15: Newly appointed chairman of GPRN/NSCN, Gen Kholi Konyak Wednesday said his first and foremost step would be towards uniting the Nagas and work for reconciliation.
The veteran NSCN leader observed that bloodshed amongst Nagas over the years has been a loss to the Nagas themselves. "We need unity amongst the Nagas…we will go with the Naga public," he said while interacting with media persons at Khehoyi designated camp Wednesday afternoon.
Gen Kholi, who has been associated with S S Khaplang for a considerable period of time, said he has no ill feelings with S S Khaplang but the differences arose when Khaplang did not agree with the peace and reconciliation process.
"Khaplang was not in favour of the reconciliation process, so we had to leave him to carry forward the process of reconciliation," he said, adding, "Khaplang never said peace and reconciliation should be there, but we stand for unity and peace."
The GPRN/NSCN chairman also blamed Khaplang for his unilateral decision and said that he would be responsible for himself whatever happens to him.
Recollecting his days with Khaplang, Gen Kholi said that he has been associated with S S Khaplang for many years and had expressed faith and hope on him, but he failed to uphold the Nagas and was against the reconciliation process.
He said due to Khaplang's opposition to the unity and reconciliation process, "we decided to go with the Naga public."
Earlier during the Presidential Induction Ceremony, Gen Kholi said peace is a prerogative to unity and so is unity to solution of the protracted Indo-Naga political imbroglio. He said GPRN stands firm in their commitment to take into account the Naga people's views and opinions into confidence in the course of political future.
Having being entrusted with the responsibility to serve the Naga nation as its President, Kholi assured the Naga people that the will and aspiration of the people shall be upheld at all costs.
"In the current context of the Naga people's political aspiration, the fervent will of the Naga people is to reconcile and unite across all differences, and to stand our ground for a common future," he said adding, "It is the mandate of the people to assert a united solution which would be reciprocated in toto for an undivided endeavour."
He further assured the Naga people that the GPRN/NSCN would expedite a peaceful and lasting solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political issue with a common vision and united effort.
He also thanked the Churches, Prayer Centres, NGOs for their prayers and appealed to one and all to continue their prayer support for peace to prevail and the Naga people's reconciliation initiative under the aegis of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) towards achieving a lasting political goal of the Nagas. (Page News Service)

Khaplang opposed Naga reconciliation: Kitovi Nagaland page
Dimapur, June 15: The GPRN/NSCN Wednesday ruled out any split in the group following the expulsion of S S Khaplang recently and maintained that Khaplang is now alone and just a mere public.
Talking to media persons at Khehoyi designated camp, the General Secretary of the outfit, Kitovi Zhimomi alleged that Khaplang opposed the reconciliation process initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and "even directed us 2 months back to withdraw from the Covenant of Reconciliation" signed by him.
Zhimomi claimed that the highest-level meeting initiated by the FNR was opposed by Khaplang and he even directed the leaders in Nagaland not to attend the meet.
"He cannot force us to go against the will of the people," Kitovi said adding, "Naga people want peace, unity and reconciliation. Former President was totally against it."
Kitovi insisted that admitting not to go for the reconciliation process has exposed Khaplang's true colours.
With the induction of Gen Kholi Konyak as the new President, Kitovi expressed confidence of achieving the dreams of the Nagas. He said peace and reconciliation would be the first step initiated by them.
Stating that collective efforts of the people are needed to achieve this goal, he expressed hoped that it would be achieved very soon. "Our future is bright now," he added.
When asked about participating in the highest-level meet called by the FNR, Kitovi said that the GPRN/NSCN would be the first to participate in the meeting, which is scheduled on June 20 next. "We will participate with sincerity," he added.
Replying to a query about entering into a negotiation with Government of India, the outfit's general secretary said, "Ours is a political problem… we will have to have a political solution."
"Peace with only Nagas will have no meaning…we will have to deal with Government of India," he said adding, "First try unity among Nagas and then talk with Government of India."
When asked about S S Khaplang's directive expelling general secretary Kitovi and 7 others, Kitovi said that Khaplang is just a mere public now and all peace-loving soldiers are with Gen Kholi Konyak.
"Khaplang is now alone but hope after few days he may be a well-wisher and he can contribute towards Nagas struggle for peace and unity as a public," Kitovi commented.
Kitovi also did not rule out Khaplang "forming another hostile group". He also said that NSCN (K) is not a nomenclature anymore, but it is GPRN/NSCN.
When pointed out that Government of India recognizes NSCN (K) as it had signed ceasefire agreement, how would GPRN/NSCN start dialogue with the Government of India, Kitovi said that the nomenclature of NSCN (K) would not be there anymore. He said that 'K' or 'IM' has been created by the media adding, there exists only NSCN.
To a query on how GPRN/NSCN would start reconciliation process as the Covenant of Reconciliation signed by SS Khaplang, the outfit's general secretary said although Khaplang signed the COR, he backed out. "We will accelerated and encourage the FNR to speed up the reconciliation process," he added.
Replying to another query on Khaplang's hold in eastern Nagaland, Kitovi categorically said that there is no eastern Nagaland for him. "We have every right to be there." (Page News Service)
Nagaland CM meets Myanmarse ambassador in New Delhi PTI | IBN
Kohima, (PTI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today met Myanmarese ambassador to India U Zin Yaw at Myanmar embassy in New Delhi to discuss the development activities in Naga inhabited areas of the neighbouring country.Official sources here said Rio, accompanied by state planning minister T R Zeliang, discussed with the diplomat the issues relating to development activities and promotion of friendly relationship among the people who have been residing on either side of the international border.The chief minister referred to the large number of Nagas living in Myanmar and apprised him of their problems and development needs.He conveyed that the people of Nagaland are happy that Myanmar government had recognised the Nagas and gave them representation in Myanmar''s new political and democratic discourse. The ambassador said he would be taking over as the chairman of the ambassadors of ASEAN countries to India and they have been planning to visit Nagaland sometimes towards the end of the year. Rio extended a warm invitation for such a visit and said he would be looking forward to meet him and the other ASEAN representatives in Nagaland, sources said.
KIO destroys 10 bridges and capture and arrest six
Phanida

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) said that they have destroyed 10 bridges so far to prevent heavy weapons moving closer to their front lines, captured three government soldiers including a lieutenant and arrested three civilians.

‘We have destroyed about 10 bridges but we destroyed only the bridges which were used by government troops in their offensives. This is a normal military tactic’, KIO Lieutenant Colonel Yaw Htone told Mizzima.

The KIO has destroyed wooden bridges, concrete bridges and suspension bridges in Phakant, Moemouk and Waimaw townships in Kachin State.

KIO central committee member La Nan said that the KIO arrested Lieutenant Thiha Naing a.k.a. Thet Naing Aung; Private Tun Zaw and Private Phyo Wei Aung of the Light Infantry Battalion No. 342 at near Pan Wah village in Namtu Township, Shan State, on Thursday. Three civilians found with the soldiers were also arrested and detained, he said.

The bridges destroyed are the Nam Phat Kha stream suspension bridge connecting
Bridges destroyed
1 Nam Phat Kha suspension bridge connecting Tapein hydroelectric dams in Moemauk Township
2 Mayan Stream bridge in Waimaw Township
3 Mali stream bridge on Waimaw-Laiza highway
4 Lanna stream bridge on Waimaw-Kampaiti highway
5 Namsar stream bridge on Tarmonye-Monsi road in Shan State
6 Bridge connecting Karmi and Lonekhin in Phakant Township
7 Bridge between Hopin and Nammon village on Phakant-Gwikhar road
8 Namsan stream concrete bridge between Warazwap and Bangkok villages
9 Namsankha stream wooden bridge near Namsan village between Warazwap and Bangkok villages
10 Maykha River suspension bridge, 59 miles south of Chibwe Town
the Tapein hydroelectric dam in Moemauk Township; Mayanchaung bridge in Waimaw; Mali stream bridge on Waimaw-Laiza highway; Lanna stream bridge on Waimaw-Kampaiti highway; Namsar stream bridge on Tamoenye-Monsi highway in Shan State’ bridge on Phankant-Karmine-Lonekhinhighway; a bridge connecting Hopin and Namma villages on the Phakant-Gyikha highway; Namsam stream concrete bridge connecting Warazwap-Bangkok villages; the Namsamkha wooden bridge near Namsam village between Warazwap and Bangkok villages; and the Maykha River suspension bridge, 59 miles south of Chibwe Township.

Military analysts said that some earlier destruction of bridges had only limited results.

KIO and local residents said that there was a small clash between KIA and government troops about two miles from Manhsi village in Moemauk Township on Wednesday night.

Local residents said that the Burmese authorities are giving military training to convicts in Bhamo Township where minor clashes have occured. Also firefighters, policemen and people’s militia members are being provided military training in Myitkyina, the capital city of Kachin State.
‘Government troops are carrying out a test of their strength’
Tun Tun Mizzima

New Delhi Since June 9, fighting has broken out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), and Burmese government troops. The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) is made up of cease-fire and non- ceasefire ethnic armed groups. The alliance’s six dedicated member organizations are the Karen National Union (KNU), New Mon State Party (NMSP), Chin National Front (CNF), Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP).
One of the UNFC policies is to cooperate in defending against any attacks by Burmese government troops against the ethnic groups. Mizzima reporter Tun Tun talked with Pa-O National Liberation Organization (a member of the UNFC) chairman Khun Okkar about the possibility of UNFC members taking part in the fighting against government troops, and the role of the pro-democracy groups in Burma.

Question: The KIO is a member of the UNFC, which says that if government troops launch an attack against any group member, other members will help defend them. Will the UNFC help the KIO?

Answer: A UNFC policy says that if the government attacks one member other members must think that all are under attack and support the UNFC central committee. So, the UNFC central committee needs to urgently hold a meeting and decide, and then all members will follow the resolution. I think a meeting will be held very soon. As soon as a resolution is made, we are ready to follow the resolution.

Q: If the KIO is defeated by government troops in the current armed conflict, what potential adverse consequences await the groups in the alliance?

A: Since February, the KIO has sought an alliance with the non-ceasefire groups such as the KNPP, KNU and Chin ethnic armed groups. We agreed to cooperate in defending against any attack by the government. But, before we had made preparations, we announced that if the government attacked any group, they would face armed conflict with all members of the Federal Council across the country. In response, I think the government army decided to show that they are very powerful and stronger, so they launched this attack.

Other allies such as the KNU and KNPP are fighting against the government in their areas. We will continue fighting. It’s likely that we may face more fighting. I think the government troops are carrying out a test of their strength to determine its abilities in these areas.

Question: Some criticize that despite many allies, your alliance is not effective. How do you respond to that?

A: I think we need to prove that criticism is wrong. We made a resolution to join our forces in support of each other and we will follow the resolution. But, the KIO itself has fought against government troops only in some areas, and it has used a limited number of its troops–that shows that they don’t want the fighting to spread, so I can’t say exactly what the UNFC committee will decide.

Q: What are other difficulties that the UNFC faces now?

A: We have a plan to form a Federal army, and we have done some preparation. But, we have not done enough, and the fighting started early. Anyway, I want to say that we will follow our original plan.

Q: Do you think that other cease-fire groups will take part in the fighting against government troops, if the UNFC creates more fronts?

A: In our alliance, there are three cease-fire groups, the Mon armed group, KIO and SSPP. Two out of the three groups are fighting against the government troops. In the cease-fire groups, only the Mon group has not fought. But, there is growing tension in their area, too. So, the Mon group has also prepared. All are waiting for the resolution.

Q: Ethnic armed groups are fighting for racial equality, self- determination and democratic rights. What should be the role played by the pro-democracy groups in Burma?

A: The pro-democracy groups in Burma should clearly understand that only asking for democracy cannot create peace in Burma. Only transforming the military dictatorship into a democratic system can not bring about peace. Unlike the successful transitions in Indonesia and the Philippine, our country has a different tradition. So in our case, just moving from military dictatorship into a pseudo-democratic system cannot establish peace.

During the transition to democracy, our country needs to build a genuine federal union and establish racial equality to achieve peace. Democracy alone cannot bring about peace. So, the pro-democracy groups need to study this more. I want them to urge the government led by (President) Thein Sein not only to establish democracy in Burma but also to form a genuine federal union.
New Jade field discovered in Burma’s Kachin State
Myo Thant Mizzima

Chaing Mai (Mizzima) – A new jade field has been located in Hpakant in Kachin State in northeast Burma, according to a retired geologist who carried out research in the area.

Soe Thein, the geologist, said the new jade field has been named ‘Jade Gaday Field’. Soe Thein said that he has studied in a foreign country, where he learned how to employ high technology tools, use of data compiled from NASA pictures and other techniques.

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‘I compiled the data and made calculations’, he said. ‘Finally, I processed digital image data and discovered the new field'.

Soe Thein said, ‘I cannot guarantee the quality of the jade’ but he noted it is close to the ‘Yadanar Gaday Gadar Field’, an older field, that was discovered about 15 years ago.

Asia World Company owns the ‘Yadanar Gaday Gadar Field’, and it is believed to have earned a profit of 50 million euro last year, according to sources. That figure could not be confirmed.



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